Are You Tired of Pretending? — Santosh Poonen — February 2, 2025
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker uses Psalm 39 to illustrate the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant life. He argues that merely controlling outward speech (like wearing a muzzle) is a form of pretense, whereas the New Covenant allows for the internal 'hotness' of the heart to be cleansed by the Holy Spirit. True transformation means addressing the internal struggle rather than just managing outward behavior.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does Psalm 39 teach us about guarding our speech?David recognized that even the things he thought were good could bite like an aggressive dog, so he put a muzzle on his mouth.
The limitation of the old covenant lifeBecause David lacked the Holy Spirit within, he could only stay silent in his own strength until the inner fire built up and he blew his top.
David's longing for inner truthDavid got a glimpse of New Covenant reality by acknowledging his failures and waiting on God to deliver him both outside and inside.
Are you tired of pretending?Santosh presents the core question of the message, asking if we are weary of the pretense that characterizes most church meetings.
What is the true mark of a New Covenant church?Quoting 1 Corinthians 14, he shows that when God is truly present, the secrets of an unbeliever's heart are disclosed and pretense is stripped away.1 Corinthians 14:23–25
The lack of the fear of GodHypocrisy persists in the church because we lack the fear of God and care too much about human opinions and our reputations.
Let God be true and every man a liarPaul reminds us that all men are liars, and unless our words come directly from God, they fall short of absolute truth.
Hypocrisy in our prayers and sharingJesus warned in Matthew 6 that old covenant praying is done to be seen by men, which is a symptom of failing to fear God.
Walking in the unapproachable lightGod dwells in unapproachable light, and walking in that light means bringing our hidden darkness out so the blood of Jesus can cleanse us.
The immediate aftermath of sin is hidingJust as Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves to cover their nakedness after sinning, we instinctively cover our spiritual flaws with hypocrisy.
Ananias and Sapphira and the danger of leavenThe first recorded sin after Pentecost was the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira, illustrating how easily the leaven of pretense enters the church.
Following the Lamb wherever He goesThe bride of Christ consists of those who let the unapproachable light expose every corner of their hearts without making excuses or covering up.
